Renegade Ape - Psychology, Philosophy, and the Overton Wasteland

Prof. David Benatar joins us to explore the concept of antinatalism, the philosophical idea that procreation is morally bad because of the inevitable suffering that beings will experience as a result of their being brought into existence. We examine David's assertion that "even the best lives, contrary to popular opinion, ultimately contain more bad than good", why the negative aspects of life tend to go unrecognized, whether the scale of immorality for bringing life into the world is culturally dependant, why the testimonials of people who claim to have lead a happy life ought not be to taken at face value, the anti-natalist position on sex and abortion, and whether or not there's anything we can do as a species to make coming into existence worthwhile. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "The Human Predicament" https://amzn.to/2NyPgpk "Better Never to Have Been" https://amzn.to/2uPcCQ1 "The Second Sexism" https://amzn.to/2NAJLXB *** BECOME A PATRON *** http://patreon.com/myownworstenemy *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: RANT 73 https://flic.kr/p/BBxPX2 DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

On the June 23rd 2018, my father, David Whittaker, passed away. He was my best friend, my idol, and it was an genuine honor to call him my father. This episode is just me sharing my experience of losing a parent, and some of the many confusing and conflicting thoughts and emotions it's conjured up. As well as being somewhat cathartic for me, I hope this episode manages to be of some use to you guys as well.

The first in a brand new series of live YouTube debates with audience Q&A for the MOWE podcast. The topic up for debate today... Is antidepressant medication ever useful? Featuring two of the UK's most eminent psychiatrists, Dr. Joanna Moncrieff and Prof. Carmine Pariante, for the MOWE podcast! Submit your questions or join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #PsychLiveQandA *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: sayo ts https://flic.kr/p/SSga5W

Clinical Psychologist and sexual predation expert Dr. Anna Salter joins us to explore the psychology of sexual assault from the perspective of both the victims and the perpetrators. What causes somebody become a sex offender? Are they born that way, or are they the products of culture? Do sex offenders share any characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd? How do perpetrators choose their victims? And is there any hope of redemption for these people? From the victims perspective we discuss the women who tend to be most vulnerable to sexual assault, why many women who have been sexually assaulted are reluctant to come forward, the manipulation tactics employed by sex offenders to control their victims perception of the assault, and some of the counterintuitive victim behaviours which often lead to perpetrators walking free. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders" by Anna Salter https://amzn.to/2HBwg6B "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" by Annie Dillard https://amzn.to/2HAG40D "Without Conscience" by Robert Hare https://amzn.to/2HDeorE "Betrayal Trauma" by Jennifer Freyd https://amzn.to/2sKqxqb "The Witch-Hunt Narrative" by Ross Cheit https://amzn.to/2JxNEe1 *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Luigi Tiriticco https://flic.kr/p/MUsVLN DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

In today's episode Dr. William Epstein joins us to explain why he believes psychotherapy is not only ineffective and possibly even harmful, but why it is little more than a civil religion reflecting the principles of radical self-invention and self-reliance deeply embedded in the modern psyche. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "The Illusion of Psychotherapy" by William Epstein https://amzn.to/2xvDxVu "Psychotherapy as Religion" by William Epstein https://amzn.to/2LKvbMT "The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker https://amzn.to/2JqOOLq "On Bullshit" by Harry G. Frankfurt https://amzn.to/2sqM6w6 "Power, Interest and Psychology" by David Smail https://amzn.to/2Hhdwc2 "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov https://amzn.to/2JgnaNS "The Discovery of the Asylum" by David Rothman https://amzn.to/2HfDNb0 "The Shrinking of America" by Bernie Zilbergeld https://amzn.to/2Jk8u3V *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Jenavieve https://flic.kr/p/88PSfA DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

Comedian and psychologist Dr. Brian King joins us to discuss the evolutionary origins of humor, whether being funny is a natural ability or a skill that anyone can learn, the mental and physical benefits of laughter, and why humor can be the perfect antidote to some of life's darkest moments. This episode has 22 minutes of bonus content available exclusively for subscribers: https://mowe.uk/2wJJ9eF *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "The Laughing Cure" by Brian King: https://amzn.to/2IjH1eJ "A Field Guide to the North American Bloody Mary" by Brian King: https://amzn.to/2rFgulQ "Pumping Irony" by Andrew Ginsberg: https://amzn.to/2IhUVhs "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig: https://amzn.to/2IfelHT *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Petful http://www.petful.com/ DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

In this months AMA episode I cover the following topics as requested by my listeners: • I tell the story of my pathetic attempt to sell a screenplay in Hollywood. • How do I win back my wife of 9 years after being caught having an emotional affair? • Why is sleep so important to mental health and what is your sleep routine? • Any tips or techniques for getting started with meditation? • And I also have a crack at answering a bunch of “Truth or Dare” questions, including… “If you had to hook up with one of your past guests who would it be?”, “If you could become a woman for a day what’s the first thing you would do?”, and “What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?”.

Johann Hari is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, award winning journalist, and one of the most viewed TED speakers of all time. In today's episode we discuss some of the topics raised in his most recent best-selling book, "Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions". *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Lost Connections" by Johann Hari https://amzn.to/2r7Ts6V "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari https://amzn.to/2r87eGN "Strangers to Ourselves" Timothy Wilson https://amzn.to/2vWus7A *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Soumyadeep Paul https://flic.kr/p/dUsxFp DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

Greg Sadler is a philosopher, academic entrepreneur, founder of ReasonIO and editor of Stoicism Today. In today’s episode we explore the various causes and manifestations of anger, the difference between chronic and acute anger, and the relationship between anger and vengeance. We discuss why some people’s anger becomes directed inwards, towards the self, while other people’s anger is directed towards other people and the outside world, why anger can sometimes be a productive or even an enjoyable experience, and we close up by turning to stoic philosophy for some tips and advice on how to avoid hitting the roof when you’re absolutely fucking steaming. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Of Anger" by Seneca https://amzn.to/2Jeu45Y "The Republic" by Plato https://amzn.to/2HjVXxb "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle https://amzn.to/2K38brs "Discourses" by Epictetus https://amzn.to/2HiL4aG *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Fred https://flic.kr/p/KyffcB DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

Tom O'Carroll is a self-confessed pedophile, pro-pedophilia advocate, and writer. In today's episode we delve in to Tom's early life, the experience of first realizing his sexual attraction to children, his failed attempts to lead a normal life, and his pro-pedophile advocacy efforts. We debate the nature of consent, whether or not adult-child sexual relationships are always harmful, if childhood sexual trauma is caused by the sexual acts themselves or subsequent societal judgement, and the likelihood of pro-pedophile advocacy ever resulting in a society which accepts adult-child sexual relationships. It's got a LONG intro this one. If you'd like to skip straight to the interview it begins at 38:18 *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: https://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little https://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Ubi Desperare Nescio https://flic.kr/p/5hmrUg DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

In this months AMA episode I answer the following questions emailed in by listeners: • You claimed in a past episode that you don't have any friends. Is this really true, and if so, why? • If you could only give one piece of advice to someone suffering with depression, what would it be? • How can I learn to deal with being considered a failure by both my family and society? • How do I find my passion and turn it into a business? • What's the most disgusting joke you've ever heard? • I also submit myself to "17 'Would You Rather' Questions That Are Impossible To Answer"!

Roland Griffiths, Ph.D. is Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he conducts pioneering research into the psychological and therapeutic effects of the hallucinogen psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced in psilocybin mushrooms, known colloquially as magic mushrooms. In today’s episode we explore the origin and history of psilocybin research, what it looks like to experiment with psychedelics in a clinical setting, the nature of the hallucinations experienced by participants, and the potential for psilocybin to produce long term, clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety, along with increases in quality of life, life meaning, and optimism, with just one single dose. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor Frankl: https://amzn.to/2H2ZYT0 "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari: https://amzn.to/2IhSHyo "Feeling Good" by David Burns: https://amzn.to/2H32NUb "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" by Stephen Hayes: https://amzn.to/2pWQh0h *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Bernard Spragg. NZ https://flic.kr/p/e8PVQ3 DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

Dr. John Cromby joins us to explore the concept of power and responsibility in mental health. In today's episode we discuss why the origins of psychological distress lie outside the individual, why modern psychology tends to overstate the amount freedom and flexibility that people have in responding to negative circumstances, why notions such as willpower and resilience are more likely the byproduct of prior advantage than voluntary acts of will, why discussions about economic, political and ideological influence are sorely lacking in discussions around mental health, and why acknowledging the limits of our own personal power can actually prove quite liberating. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Power, Interest and Psychology" by David Smail: https://amzn.to/2G7DIq0 "Why Therapy Doesn't Work" by David Smail: https://amzn.to/2G49Ajl "The Nature of Unhappiness" by David Smail: https://amzn.to/2DRcYrV "Feeling Bodies" by John Cromby: https://amzn.to/2pGfb59 *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Taecilla https://flic.kr/p/yZQqc DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

What does it mean to be middle aged, when does middle age start and why does it matter? In today's episode Dr. Christopher Hamilton joins me to discuss the relationship between the midlife crisis and such things as loss of identity, the search for meaning, and the fear of death. We ask why the crisis of middle age tends to be a uniquely male phenomenon, whether or not our cultural worship of youthfulness is justified, reasons why the midlife crisis can sometimes find expression in immature and reckless behaviour, but also, why purchasing a leather jacket and a convertible sports car might not necessarily be such a bad thing. *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "Middle Age" by Christopher Hamilton: http://amzn.to/2oXdr77 "How to Deal with Adversity" by Christopher Hamilton: http://amzn.to/2GajBYT "A Philosophy of Tragedy" by Christopher Hamilton: http://amzn.to/2FGuEvi "A Confession" by Leo Tolstoy: http://amzn.to/2GbGlId "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy: http://amzn.to/2FFuww8 "Uncle Vanya" by Anton Chekov: http://amzn.to/2tvo3yK *** DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Ubi Desperare Nescio https://flic.kr/p/5hmrUg DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.

Personal trainer, health coach and fitness ambassador Luis Trigo joins us to share his weightloss journey from 400lbs and 65% bodyfat, down to just 155lbs. In today's episode we explore Luis experiences dealing with obesity from childhood, how being overweight affected his social life in high school, and how a health crisis and relationship breakdown in his mid-20's inspired him to finally turn things around. Luis also shares some basic diet and exercise principles for anyone getting started on their own fitness journey, how to cultivate patience and self-compassion, and the biggest determining factor in any fitness endeavour, how to master consistency. Follow Luis on Instagram: http://instagram.com/savageresolve *** BOOKS MENTIONED *** "The China Study" http://amzn.to/2CTs5Rf *** SUBSCRIBE *** http://myownworstenemy.org/support *** SOCIAL MEDIA *** Facebook: http://facebook.com/myownworstenemyorg Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannydwhittaker *** CREDITS *** Theme Music: Falling Down by Ryan Little http://youtube.com/user/TheR4C2010 Podcast Image: Luis Trigo DISCLAIMER: My Own Worst Enemy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.